The Hithe Business Incubator Space / IF_DO

The Hithe Business Incubator Space / IF_DO - Exterior PhotographyThe Hithe Business Incubator Space / IF_DO - Exterior PhotographyThe Hithe Business Incubator Space / IF_DO - Interior Photography, Beam, WindowsThe Hithe Business Incubator Space / IF_DO - Interior Photography, Windows, Shelving, FacadeThe Hithe Business Incubator Space / IF_DO - More Images+ 13

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The Hithe Business Incubator Space / IF_DO - Exterior Photography
© Mike Massaro

Text description provided by the architects. The Hithe is a new, low-cost, demountable business incubator space in Rotherhithe designed by IF_DO. The name, from Old English, describes a landing place or small port for ships and boats, making reference to the nautical history of the area fronting onto the Thames, and the building’s role in fostering nascent entrepreneurs.

The Hithe Business Incubator Space / IF_DO - Exterior Photography, Brick
© Mike Massaro

Commissioned by Southwark Council, IF_DO has worked closely with the pioneering social enterprise Meanwhile Space CIC to bring a redundant site into productive use. The 200m2 building provides 12 units of workspace; the largest is occupied by Meanwhile Space.

The Hithe Business Incubator Space / IF_DO - Exterior Photography, Brick
© Mike Massaro

The Hithe is the practice’s second project developed with Meanwhile Space, following the success of Granby Space, a 350m2 short-term refurbishment on Lower Marsh, Waterloo, which has closed after five years. The Hithe represents a new departure for Meanwhile Space, as a new-build facility designed to be relocated. In this, its first iteration, it represents a new piece of social infrastructure for Rotherhithe: a community hub in a neighborhood undergoing rapid change.

The Hithe Business Incubator Space / IF_DO - Image 18 of 18
Axonometric

The relatively small site is located on Albion Street, within the wider Rotherhithe masterplan area, and was identified by Southwark Council for meanwhile use of up to 11 years while the council develops plans for the area.

The Hithe Business Incubator Space / IF_DO - Interior Photography, Table, Chair
© Mike Massaro

Working within the constraints of a tight budget, the structure has been designed in collaboration with engineer Elliott Wood and fabricator Weber Industries to be fully demountable and relocatable, ensuring a long-term use. It is constructed of an efficient lightweight steel and timber frame made with bespoke and prefabricated components and structural insulated panels (SIP), and built onto the site’s existing foundations, largely eliminating the need for any new concrete on the project.

The Hithe Business Incubator Space / IF_DO - Interior Photography, Table, Chair
© Mike Massaro

Inside, the timber structure and services have been left exposed. Ten micro-studios are arranged around a ground floor central gathering space with links to the kitchen and yard to the north of the site, which will be transformed into a planted outdoor social space. Two larger workspaces are located on the first floor. All units are accessed externally, reducing the requirement for built circulation space. 

The Hithe Business Incubator Space / IF_DO - Interior Photography, Beam, Windows
© Mike Massaro
The Hithe Business Incubator Space / IF_DO - Interior Photography, Windows, Wood
© Mike Massaro

The building acts as a hinge between the existing community and the new developments around it, aiming to connect new and existing residents as the area goes through significant change. Double-height glazed lanterns on the north and south elevations create a landmark within the streetscape, with the aim of increasing footfall to other businesses along Albion Street.

The Hithe Business Incubator Space / IF_DO - Exterior Photography
© Mike Massaro

The Hithe demonstrates how the construction industry can utilize circular economy thinking to reduce its carbon emissions and offer more sustainable solutions for urban regeneration. It is one of three circular economy demonstrator projects in London for CIRCuIT (Circular Construction in Regenerative Cities). In the long term, when the site is ready for permanent redevelopment, the building will be broken down into its various components and re-erected on an alternative site. In the short term, by offering affordable workspace to local businesses, The Hithe promises to inject vibrancy into Rotherhithe, supporting the community as the area undergoes change.

The Hithe Business Incubator Space / IF_DO - Interior Photography, Windows, Shelving, Facade
© Mike Massaro

Rents are offered at an affordable price to attract sole traders and start-ups. In addition to Meanwhile Space, tenants include a social enterprise focused on getting kids active, an apothecarist, an architect, a filmmaker, a beauty entrepreneur, and a sewing club tutor. 

The Hithe Business Incubator Space / IF_DO - Exterior Photography
© Mike Massaro

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Project location

Address:71 Albion St, London SE16 7JA, United Kingdom

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Location to be used only as a reference. It could indicate city/country but not exact address.
About this office
Cite: "The Hithe Business Incubator Space / IF_DO" 05 Jun 2023. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/978861/the-hithe-business-incubator-space-if-do> ISSN 0719-8884

© Mike Massaro

‘可移动的建筑’,Hithe 企业孵化器空间 / IF_DO

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